There's a difference on how the Sox and Cubs run their conventions though.

The Sox put a feature spotlight on the guys that come in. The Cubs convention seems more like a meat grinder where you don't get to hear the past players talk or see them every day. The Sox are able to do more with the guys they bring in.

I would rather it be a "meat grinder" if that means meeting more players (or ex-players) and getting more autographs. Besides Friday when it is closed to the public, I was lucky to get through 2-3 lines on Satuday and Sunday last year.

I would rather it be a "meat grinder" if that means meeting more players (or ex-players) and getting more autographs. Besides Friday when it is closed to the public, I was lucky to get through 2-3 lines on Satuday and Sunday last year.

I have a friend who is a Cubs fan, and she went to their convention a few years back. I don't know if it is still like this, but the passes to all of their autograph sessions were given out via a lottery/raffle system. While she only got 1 or 2 autographs the entire weekend, I've always been able to get 6-8 autographs on average at Soxfest.

I have a friend who is a Cubs fan, and she went to their convention a few years back. I don't know if it is still like this, but the passes to all of their autograph sessions were given out via a lottery/raffle system. While she only got 1 or 2 autographs the entire weekend, I've always been able to get 6-8 autographs on average at Soxfest.

I also remember the old days at the Hyatt when I would get autographs from most all of the players (and the ex-players) attending over the weekend. This was before the Sox starting doing the wristbands. I would also meet the players and get autographs in the Big Bar and family party on Satuday night.

The "Early Bird" Special was extended until November 9. Ticket sales must be on fire. I wonder if they'll bring in the Volunteer Corps again to help fill the place?

Giving the Volunteer Corps free admission was one thing, but letting them jump to the front of the lines was a little bit much in my opinion.

Anyway, looking forward to attending and seeing some relatively new and old faces with Dye, Luzinski, and Blackjack scheduled to appear!

They sure as hell better not! I'm a soon-to-be 20-year SoxFest veteran and I was BEYOND pissed when I was pushed to the back of the Red Lacquer room for the Opening Ceremony. I'm almost always in the front row, since I get to the hotel around 11:00 in the morning.

From what Christine O'Reilly told me during our lengthy conversation at last year's SoxFest, the Volunteer Corps was in the front half of the Red Lacquer room last year because of Selig's appearance and his presentation of that award to Jerry Reinsdorf.